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BIG FISH AQUARIUM • CHICAGOLAND
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Big Fish Aquarium · Chicago
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This Month at Big Fish
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New livestock, monthly member specials and in-store arrivals give you a reason to check back regularly. Online and in-store inventory are separate, so availability may differ.
October Member Specials
October Member Specials
See this month’s eligible livestock categories and current
Member Special details. Availability varies online and in store.
Koi + Goldfish | Puffer Fish | Big FishAfrican + Parrot Cichlids | Designer Clownfish See October Specials →
New This Week
Fresh Livestock + UNS Arrivals
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UNS is available in store only.
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Tropic Marin All-For-Reef is a highly concentrated, easy-to-use all-in-one liquid solution designed to supply all essential minerals and trace elements to marine reef aquaria. Formulated to help maintain stable calcium, carbonate hardness (alkalinity), magnesium, and key trace elements in a single bottle, it supports the robust growth and health of corals, coralline algae, and other calcifying organisms. Supplied in a generous 1000 ml container, it's the perfect, cost-effective solution for hobbyists maintaining medium to large-sized reef systems who want to avoid the hassle and clutter of multi-bottle dosing.
Key benefits
All-In-One Convenience: Supplies calcium, alkalinity, magnesium, and trace elements in a single pre-mixed liquid bottle.
Simplifies Dosing: Replaces complicated two-part, three-part, or multi-bottle dosing systems with one straightforward daily addition.
No Unwanted Byproducts: Formulated to prevent the accumulation of sodium chloride or excess carbon dioxide, keeping salinity and ionic balance stable.
Pre-mixed Trace Elements: Includes essential trace elements (equivalent to Tropic Marin A- Elements and K+ Elements) for optimal coral health and color.
Doser Ready & Value Sized: Fully dissolved and ready for automatic dosing pumps; the 1000 ml size is ideal for larger systems and regular maintenance.
Specifications
Net volume: 1000 ml
Form: Liquid
Primary purpose: All-in-one mineral and trace element supplementation for reef aquaria
Intended users: Marine reef hobbyists, coral keepers, medium-to-large reef system owners
Suggested use
Manual dosing: Calculate the required volume and add directly to a high-flow area of the aquarium to ensure fast and safe dispersal.
Automated dosing: Connect the 1000 ml bottle directly to your aquarium's dosing pump system to automate your daily mineral maintenance.
Start low: Begin dosing with a conservative amount and adjust based on weekly testing of your aquarium's alkalinity and calcium levels.
Dosage and testing
Starting Dosage: Begin with a daily dose of 5 ml of All-For-Reef per 100 liters (approx. 26 US gallons) of aquarium system water volume.
Incremental Adjustments: Increase the daily dose by 2.5 ml per 100 liters weekly until stable calcium and alkalinity levels are achieved.
Maximum Dosage: Do not exceed a maximum daily dose of 25 ml of All-For-Reef per 100 liters (26 US gallons) of aquarium volume.
Storage and safety
Store in a cool, dry place with the cap tightly closed when not in use.
Keep out of reach of children and pets.
Avoid skin and eye contact. In case of contact, rinse thoroughly with clean water.
Warnings
Not for human consumption.
Do not mix directly with other concentrated aquarium additives or supplements before dosing.
Monitor alkalinity regularly; over-dosing can cause rapid parameter swings that are harmful to marine life.
What’s included
1 x 1000 ml bottle of Tropic Marin All-For-Reef Liquid
Product label with usage instructions and safety guidelines
Why choose
Tropic Marin All-For-Reef Liquid provides an incredibly simple and reliable way to maintain a thriving reef aquarium. By bundling calcium, magnesium, alkalinity, and trace elements into one easy-to-manage bottle, it removes the complexity of traditional dosing. The 1000 ml size offers excellent value and longevity, making it the practical choice for maintaining beautiful coral growth in larger home aquariums.
Ocean Nutrition Cichlid Omni Pellets (Medium) is a premium, daily sinking pellet food scientifically formulated for omnivorous and carnivorous African and South American cichlids. Developed by aquaculture biologists, this recipe features high levels of premium marine proteins like fish meal, krill, and squid to mimic their natural, protein-rich diets. The soft and moist texture of these sinking pellets makes them highly palatable and easy to digest, ensuring your fish absorb maximum nutrition with minimal waste.
Key benefits
Soft and Moist Texture: Easily digestible and highly appealing, encouraging even picky carnivorous and omnivorous grazers to eat immediately.
Supports Muscle and Tissue Growth: Rich in premium marine proteins to support steady, robust growth and excellent body shape.
Enhances Natural Coloration: Packed with high-quality natural carotenoids and krill to bring out the intense, brilliant colors of your cichlids.
Boosts Immune Health: Formulated with garlic, immune-stimulating compounds, and essential vitamins to help fish resist disease and environmental stress.
No Water Clouding: Sinks cleanly and remains intact, preventing the breakdown of nutrients into the water column and keeping your tank pristine.
Specifications
Net weight: 3.5 oz (approx. 100 g)
Form: Sinking soft-moist pellets
Pellet Size: Medium (+/- 3.1mm to 4.0mm)
Water type: Freshwater
Intended users: African and South American cichlid keepers, community aquarists, and breeders
Suggested use
Feeding frequency: Feed your fish 1 to 3 times daily.
Portion control: Feed only what your cichlids can completely consume within 5 minutes.
Cleanup: Gently net out any uneaten food to keep your water chemistry pristine.
Target size: Use this medium pellet size for larger cichlids (typically 4 inches or larger). For smaller fish, use the small pellet size.
Ingredients
Fish meal, wheat flour, wheat gluten, soy-bean meal, krill meal, dried fish solubles, squid meal, brewer's dried yeast, lecithin, fish oil, garlic, spirulina, calcium propionate (preservative), potassium sorbate (preservative), minerals (calcium carbonate, zinc sulfate, manganese sulfate, copper sulfate, sodium selenite, calcium iodate, cobalt carbonate), vitamins.
Guaranteed analysis
Crude Protein (min): 41.1%
Crude Fat (min): 9.0%
Crude Fiber (max): 1.0%
Moisture (max): 15.0%
Ash (max): 7.5%
Storage and safety
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Keep the jar tightly capped. Use within 3 to 4 months after opening the inner foil seal to ensure maximum nutritional value.
Keep out of reach of children and household pets.
Warnings
For aquarium fish use only. Not for human consumption.
What’s included
1 x Jar of Ocean Nutrition Cichlid Omni Pellets (Medium Pellet, 3.5 oz / 100 g)
Why choose
Ocean Nutrition Cichlid Omni Pellets offers a biologically correct, protein-dense diet tailored for the energetic lifestyles of omnivorous and carnivorous cichlids. By combining soft-moist technology with premium marine ingredients, this sinking formula keeps your cichlids healthy, vibrant, and active. The 3.5 oz jar is the ideal size for maintaining peak freshness and nutritional quality for your daily feeding routine.
Ocean Nutrition Frozen Brine Shrimp Plus Cubes are a gourmet frozen formulation designed for all carnivorous and omnivorous tropical fishes and invertebrates. It is a nutritious blend of brine shrimp supplemented with seafood, plankton, natural algae, and essential vitamins that mimic the nutritional value of a natural coral reef diet. This formulation does not contain a gel binder, allowing the bite-sized pieces to feed your fish while the fine juices and particles directly feed corals and filter-feeding invertebrates.
Key benefits
Gourmet Reef Blend: Combines brine shrimp with a nutritious blend of seafood, plankton, natural algae, and vitamins to mimic a natural diet.
Reef Tank Friendly: Contains no gel binders. Larger bite-sized pieces feed your fish, while juices and fine particles nourish corals and filter-feeders.
Enhances Color & Vitality: Supplemented with natural carotenoid pigments, vitamins, and minerals to promote brilliant natural coloration and strong immune health.
Highly Digestible: Made with premium, easily digestible marine ingredients to reduce metabolic waste and keep aquarium water cleaner.
Entices Finicky Eaters: Extremely attractive scent and flavor profiles that trigger immediate feeding frenzies in even the most stubborn or newly introduced fish.
Specifications
Available Sizes: 3.5 oz (100 g - 35 cubes) / 7 oz (200 g - 70 cubes)
Form: Frozen pop-out cubes
Primary purpose: Daily gourmet food for carnivorous/omnivorous fish and reef systems
Water type: Saltwater and Freshwater
Manufacturer SKUs: SKU# 50035 (3.5 oz), SKU# 50075 (7 oz)
Suggested use
Feeding frequency: Feed one to three times daily.
Portion control: Feed only the amount that your fish and reef inhabitants can completely consume within 5 minutes.
Feeding method: Simply drop the frozen cubes directly into the aquarium, or use a grid feeding clip to create a localized feeding zone.
Important: Thawing the cubes before feeding is not recommended, as they are specifically designed to slowly disperse throughout the recommended feeding window to target both fish and corals.
Ingredients
Brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, mussel, squid, plankton, fish oil, kelp meal, paprika, carrageenan, nori, cochineal extract (added color), choline chloride, magnesium sulfate, iron, inositol, a-tocopherol acetate (source of vitamin E), zinc sulfate, manganese sulfate, calcium carbonate, biotin, calcium pantothenate, niacin.
Guaranteed analysis
Crude Protein (min): 7.1%
Crude Fat (min): 1.1%
Crude Fiber (max): 0.5%
Moisture (max): 89.0%
Ash (max): 2.8%
Phosphorus (max): 0.1%
Storage and safety
Keep frozen at 0°F (-18°C) or below.
Do not allow the product to thaw completely and refreeze, as this degrades nutritional quality.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling frozen aquatic foods.
Keep out of reach of children and household pets.
Warnings
For aquarium use only. Not for human consumption.
What’s included
1 x Package of Ocean Nutrition Frozen Brine Shrimp Plus Cubes (in your choice of 3.5 oz or 7 oz)
Why choose
Ocean Nutrition Frozen Brine Shrimp Plus Cubes go far beyond basic brine shrimp nutrition. Developed by aquaculture biologists, this gourmet formula duplicates the natural coral reef diet by blending premium brine shrimp with real seafood, plankton, and algae. The binder-free formula makes it a highly efficient dual-purpose food: the physical pieces feed your fish, while the nutrient-rich juices disperse to feed filter-feeders and corals. Choose from the 3.5 oz or 7 oz pop-out cube trays to deliver complete, cleaner-burning nutrition that brings out the ultimate colors and vitality of your aquarium inhabitants.
Sicce Syncra Silent Submersible Pumps establish a premium benchmark for silent, dependable performance in modern aquariums, sumps, and water features. Engineered with a synchronous motor block and an advanced internal recirculation system, these heavy-duty utility pumps run incredibly cool while drawing minimal electricity. They are designed for both fully submerged underwater filtration setups and external inline plumbing configurations. Featuring a step-less mechanical flow regulator on the front intake screen, they allow you to fine-tune your aquarium's turn-over rate with absolute precision.
Key benefits:
Near-Silent Operation: Built with premium sound-dampening feet and a balanced impeller assembly to reduce operational noise to a whisper.
Submerged or Dry Configurations: Rated for internal underwater installation or external inline plumbing applications.
Built-in Mechanical Flow Control: Features a front-mounted dial that makes adjusting your water flow simple and intuitive.
Cool-Running Efficiency: Engineered to run cold, preventing any unwanted heat transfer to your sensitive aquatic environment.
Specifications:
Form: Submersible or inline synchronous utility pumps
Impeller Type: High-efficiency ceramic shaft assembly
Water type: Freshwater and Saltwater
Intended users: Sump operators, media reactor users, and custom aquarium aquarists
Available Variants:
Syncra Silent 1.0: 251 GPH | 4.9 Ft. Max Head | 16 Watts | 1/2" Inlet/Outlet
Syncra Silent 1.5: 357 GPH | 5.9 Ft. Max Head | 23 Watts | 1/2" Inlet/Outlet
Syncra Silent 5.0: 1321 GPH | 12.5 Ft. Max Head | 105 Watts | 1" Inlet/Outlet
Suggested use:
Submerged Setup: Attach the rubber isolation feet, place the pump on the bottom of your chamber, adjust the front dial to your required flow rate, and plug it in.
Inline Setup: Unsnap the front flow regulator plate, thread your custom intake plumbing line directly onto the exposed male intake port, and secure your discharge hose.
Storage and safety:
Always isolate the pump from the main electrical outlet before maintaining internal parts or reaching into the water.
Regularly pull the impeller assembly out to clean away debris and clear away organic sludge.
Warnings:
Do not allow the pump to run dry or operate without water passing through the volute.
Ensure the front utility casing is securely locked in place before turning on the power.
What’s included:
1 x Sicce Syncra Silent Pump (of selected variant)
1 x Adjustable Front Intake Volume Plate
2 x Threaded Hose Barb Connectors
4 x Vibration-Isolating Rubber Cushion Feet
Why choose:
When background noise is a dealbreaker, the Italian-engineered Sicce Syncra Silent series delivers. It gives you the flexible plumbing choices, mechanical adjustments, and energy-saving performance you need, all without the noisy hum of standard utility pumps.
Shop Aquarium Livestock Online
Looking for something specific?
Browse popular aquarium fish, corals, plants and invertebrates, then check current online inventory to see what’s available now.
Fish
- Betta Fish
- Cichlids
- Guppies
- Tetras
- Clownfish
Corals
- Torch Coral
- Zoanthids
- Frogspawn Coral
- Acan Lords
- Soft Corals
Aquarium Plants
- Anubias
- Java Fern
- Cryptocoryne
- Amazon Sword
- Marimo Moss Ball
Invertebrates
- Cherry Shrimp
- Amano Shrimp
- Nerite Snails
- Mystery Snails
- Malaysian Trumpet Snails
Shop what’s available online right now.
Online livestock inventory changes throughout the week. Browse the current online selection to see what’s available now.
Tank Essentials
Keep the tank moving.
Restock filtration, fish food, test kits, additives and everyday aquarium supplies online. Looking for UNS? A new shipment is landing this week and is available in store only.
Shop the everyday essentials.
Find the supplies you need to maintain water quality, filtration, feeding and everyday aquarium care.
Membership Now Online
Your Big Fish membership works online too.
Use eligible Big Fish Aquarium membership benefits while shopping online. Gold members can access online savings and monthly credits, while rotating Member Specials give members another reason to check current inventory throughout the month.
Aquarium Services in Chicago
Need help with your aquarium? We do that too.
From routine aquarium maintenance and troubleshooting to new aquarium installation, Big Fish provides hands-on support for freshwater, saltwater and reef systems throughout Chicago and nearby communities.
Not sure which service you need? Start with a consultation and the Big Fish team can help determine the next step.
Why Big Fish Aquarium
The store doesn’t stop at the sale.
Shop aquarium livestock and supplies online, visit the store for the current in-store selection, or work with Big Fish for maintenance, installation and troubleshooting.
Freshwater + Saltwater
Browse freshwater fish, saltwater fish, corals, invertebrates and aquarium plants across current online inventory.
Equipment + Aquarium Supplies
Shop filtration, pumps, fish food, test kits, water care and everyday aquarium essentials.
Chicago Aquarium Store
Visit Big Fish in Chicago for in-person shopping, current store inventory and practical help with your aquarium.
From Setup to Established Systems
Get aquarium help with a new tank, an existing system or troubleshooting as your system changes.
Visit Big Fish Aquarium
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Shop freshwater and saltwater fish, corals, aquarium plants, supplies, fish food and equipment in person. Online and in-store inventory are managed separately, so stop in to see the current store selection and get help from the Big Fish team.
6622 W. North Ave.
Chicago, IL 60707
Online and in-store inventory are separate. Looking for a specific fish, coral, UNS item or product? Contact Big Fish before visiting to confirm current store availability.
Aquarium Shipping
Know your shipping options before checkout.
Live fish, corals, plants, frozen foods and aquarium supplies don’t all ship the same way. Big Fish Aquarium keeps the standard online rates visible so you know what to expect before placing your order.
Ordering more than one type of product?
Livestock, plants, frozen foods and dry goods may require different fulfillment methods. Mixed orders can include separate shipping charges.
Live Fish + Livestock
$34.95
Flat-rate overnight livestock shipping. FREE overnight livestock shipping on qualifying $150+ orders.
Dry Goods
$5.00
Standard dry-goods shipping. FREE standard shipping on qualifying $49+ dry-goods orders.
Live Aquarium Plants
$9.95
Flat-rate shipping for live freshwater aquarium plants.
Frozen Fish Food
$39.99
Flat-rate temperature-sensitive shipping for frozen foods.
Big Fish Aquarium
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Browse the online selection, visit Big Fish to see current in-store inventory, or work with the team for aquarium maintenance, installation and troubleshooting support.
The 24K Gold Torch (Euphyllia glabrescens) is a powerhouse addition to any saltwater reef aquarium, blending high-impact aesthetics with essential utility. Featuring a striking, ultra-saturated coloration where brilliant, metallic 24-karat gold tentacles are capped with contrasting electric white or soft blue tips, this premium large-polyp stony (LPS) coral is a master of the "high-end collector" era of reef keeping—serving as a natural biological focal point for the mid-water rockwork. It is a dedicated and dynamic centerpiece, making it a functional cornerstone of a premium marine ecosystem.
This prestigious LPS coral thrives in mature, established reef systems with moderate lighting (PAR 150-250) and moderate, indirect water flow that creates a rhythmic, swaying motion. While resilient by nature, its long, fleshy, sweeping architecture expands beautifully under stable water parameters, where it tirelessly absorbs dissolved organic nutrients. To ensure long-term health and maximum growth velocity, provide a dedicated supplemental diet of micro-pellets, pulverized reef foods, or frozen mysis and brine shrimp during evening feeding displays. Ensure your aquarium maintains steady calcium, alkalinity, and magnesium levels, as this species demands a consistent mineral foundation to build its branching skeletal structure.
Note: Images shown are stock images and not the actual coral you will receive.
Quick Specs
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Aggressive (possesses long sweeper tentacles)
Placement: Middle (Secure rockwork)
Lighting: Moderate (PAR 150–250)
Water Flow: Medium (Indirect, dynamic swaying movement)
Diet: Photosynthetic / Omnivore (Benefits from target feeding)
Water Conditions: 72 to 78°F, dKH 8 to 11, pH 8.1 to 8.4, Salinity 1.024 to 1.026
Husbandry Notes
The 24K Gold Torch is a strategic choice for reef hobbyists looking for "unrivaled kinetic color" and a majestic, flowing growth habit. Its specialized, elongated tentacles add a layer of deep movement and dramatic contrast to the middle reef zones, especially under heavy actinic lighting where the gold pigment truly fluoresces. In the context of modern reef keeping, it is widely considered the ultimate "showpiece centerpiece" for adding high-end visual luxury to a display. For maximum success, provide ample clearance (at least 6 inches) from neighboring corals, as its aggressive sweeper tentacles will defend its territory, and ensure water movement is random and indirect to prevent flesh tearing against its sharp skeleton.
Expert Shipping & Logistics
We’ve dialed in the logistics for national Overnight Delivery to ensure your premium marine livestock arrives in peak condition. Every order is packed using professional-grade insulation and climate-contingent heat or ice packs, designed to maintain stable temperatures throughout the journey. We handle the technical side of the move so you can focus on the acclimation. Our protocol is built on getting these brilliant corals from the facility to your reef with zero compromise on health or vitality.
The Platinum Koi Kohaku Guppy (Poecilia reticulata) is a powerhouse addition to any nano, planted, or community aquarium, blending high-impact aesthetics with essential utility. Featuring an exquisite color profile that mirrors the iconic Kohaku pattern of prize pond koi, this highly refined strain showcases a striking, iridescent platinum-white body contrasted by a brilliant, fire-orange head and matching orange tail fin. It is a master of the "showpiece nano" era of fish keeping—serving as a natural biological focal point for the upper-to-mid water column. It is a dedicated, highly active swimmer, making it a functional cornerstone of a dynamic freshwater ecosystem.
This exceptionally hardy fish thrives in mature, established systems with plenty of live plants, gentle-to-moderate water flow, and slightly hard water to support their mineral requirements. While entirely peaceful and an ideal choice for active community setups, its curious personality and fast-paced energy make it a joy to observe as it tirelessly cruises the middle and upper levels of the tank. To ensure long-term health and vibrant color displays, provide a premium, varied diet consisting of high-quality flakes, micro-pellets, and regular treats of frozen baby brine shrimp, daphnia, or cyclops. Ensure your aquarium features plenty of plant cover, which provides security for females and critical hiding spaces for any fry that appear.
Note: Images shown are stock images and not the actual fish you will receive.
Quick Specs
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful (Active, schooling community fish)
Minimum Tank Size: 5–10 Gallons
Diet: Omnivore
Plant Compatible: Yes
Max Size: 1.5–2 Inches
Water Conditions: 72 to 78°F, KH 4 to 12, pH 7.0 to 8.2
Husbandry Notes
The Platinum Koi Kohaku Guppy is a strategic choice for hobbyists looking for "unrivaled geometric color" and high-energy movement in a compact setup. Their specialized, high-contrast patterning adds a layer of bold graphic texture to the aquarium that beautifully contrasts against lush green foliage or dark aquascaping substrates. In the context of modern freshwater keeping, they are widely considered the ultimate "micro-showpiece" strain for adding both instant visual warmth and constant kinetic motion to a layout. For maximum success, keep them in groups with a ratio of two females to every male to diffuse natural breeding pursuit and facilitate their inherent social confidence.
Expert Shipping & Logistics
We’ve dialed in the logistics for national Overnight Delivery to ensure your premium livestock arrives in peak condition. Every order is packed using professional-grade insulation and climate-contingent heat or ice packs, designed to maintain stable temperatures throughout the journey. We handle the technical side of the move so you can focus on the acclimation. Our protocol is built on getting these active fish from the facility to your tank with zero compromise on health or vitality.
The Gymnocorymbus Ternetzi - Black Skirt Tetra (Small/Medium) is a high-performance biological asset, engineered for structural reliability and high-contrast movement in technical freshwater systems. Characterized by its iconic deep-bodied profile and distinctive vertical black banding that fades into a saturated "skirted" anal fin, this Small/Medium variant is a masterclass in architectural aquatic design. In the "Answering Machine" era of specialized freshwater husbandry, the Black Skirt is prized for its extreme durability and its status as a foundational schooling species for both community and high-traffic setups.
Unlike more delicate characins, G. ternetzi offers a bold, graphic silhouette that emphasizes the species' rhythmic, synchronized movement through the middle water column. This is a high-utility specimen that provides a constant display of alert behavior and structural consistency.
Note: Images shown are stock images and not the actual fish you will receive.
Visualization Note: Some product imagery utilizes generative AI to provide a high-fidelity representation of a mature specimen’s architectural profile. These are not photos of the specific individual you will receive, as biological variance is a standard in high-end husbandry.
Quick Specs
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful to Semi-Aggressive (Active)
Variant Size: Small/Medium
Minimum Tank Size: 15 Gallons
Diet: Omnivore
Reef Compatible: N/A (Freshwater)
Max Size: 2 Inches
Temperature: 72° to 82°F
dKH: 3 to 15
pH: 6.0 to 8.0
Aquarium Setup
The Black Skirt Tetra requires a stable freshwater environment with structural elements to support its social mechanics:
Structural Layout: Significant background planting and driftwood are recommended to provide security zones, allowing the specimen to maintain its deep black saturation without stress-induced muting.
Swimming Lanes: Maintain open horizontal space for schooling; this species is active and requires room for high-velocity maneuvers.
Lighting: Subdued lighting or tea-colored water (blackwater conditions) will emphasize the metallic silver-and-black contrast of the body profile.
Compatibility
This is a social, high-energy schooling species. To maintain social stability and minimize the fin-nipping behavior occasionally associated with under-stocked groups, they must be kept in groups of 6 or more. They are generally peaceful and integrate well with other active residents such as Barbs, Danios, and Corydoras. Avoid housing with exceptionally slow-moving or long-finned species (like Bettas) that may be stressed by the Black Skirt’s activity level.
Husbandry Notes
Success with Gymnocorymbus ternetzi hinges on a varied nutritional protocol. They are active foragers and should be fed twice daily with high-quality flakes and micro-granules. Supplement with frozen bloodworms or brine shrimp to maintain peak metabolic health and immune function. Maintaining stable water parameters through regular 25% weekly water changes is the primary success factor for long-term vitality.
Expert Shipping & Logistics (The BFA Protocol)
We utilize specialized logistics for national Overnight Delivery to ensure livestock arrives in peak condition. Every order is packed using professional-grade insulation and climate-contingent heat or ice packs to maintain stable temperatures throughout the journey. This protocol is strictly designed to minimize transport stress and ensure a technical transfer from our facility to your tank with zero compromise on health or vitality.
The Bursa Triggerfish, also known as the Blackbelly Trigger or Picasso Trigger (V-pattern variant), is a robust and intelligent addition to the aggressive marine display. Featuring a tan body with a distinctive dark patch on its abdomen and a striking "V" marking near the tail, this species is a centerpiece of character. In the "Answering Machine" era of saltwater husbandry, the Bursa Trigger is celebrated for its interactive personality—often recognizing its owner and displaying high levels of curiosity.
This is a powerful swimmer and an opportunistic predator. While it is incredibly hardy, its "rock-moving" tendencies and appetite for invertebrates make it a species best suited for a dedicated predator tank or a fish-only-with-live-rock (FOWLR) system. It requires a spacious environment with plenty of filtration to handle its high metabolism.
Note: Images shown are stock images and not the actual fish you will receive.
Quick Specs
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Aggressive
Minimum Tank Size: 75 Gallons
Diet: Carnivore
Reef Compatible: No
Max Size: 10 Inches
Water Conditions: 72 to 78°F, dKH 8 to 12, pH 8.1 to 8.4, sg 1.020 to 1.025
Husbandry Notes The Bursa Trigger requires a diet rich in meaty foods to maintain its health and dental structure. Feed a variety of hard-shelled shrimp, krill, clams, and squid to help wear down its ever-growing teeth. They are notorious for rearranging aquarium décor and may bite at heaters or airline tubing, so ensure all equipment is well-secured or hidden behind rockwork. Due to their territorial nature, they should be housed with other large, aggressive species like large Tangs, Eels, or Groupers.
Expert Shipping & Logistics We’ve dialed in the logistics for national Overnight Delivery to ensure your livestock arrives in peak condition. Every order is packed using professional-grade insulation and climate-contingent heat or ice packs, designed to maintain stable temperatures throughout the journey. We handle the technical side of the move so you can focus on the acclimation. Our protocol is built on getting these fish from the facility to your tank with zero compromise on health or vitality.
